Fantasy Baseball Holds RankingsHolding Things Down

I've never done Holds Rankings before but I figure it's time to change things a bit. The Holds statistic is one that is often overlooked but often times harder to achieve than a save.

I don't normally get into holds but I do understand the importance of a good holds guy in points leagues or in specialty leagues that include the category. It's important to remember that a good 8th inning guy may not necessarily mean he's next in line to be a team's Closer; however, it often leads to Closer controversies. For instance, Joel Peralta is the best holds guy in the Rays bullpen but if Grant Balfour struggles in the 9th I'd expect the team to go to Heath Bell instead of Peralta. They did it last year.

tampabay.com

My rankings are based on how I perceive each players current and future value for this season alone. I may not continue to post Holds Rankings going forward so please enjoy these while they're up to date.

sportspyder.com

#5 Luke Gregerson OAKHe may get a look to become the team's new Closer seeing how Jim Johnson has been struggling. I think Ryan Cook gets the first crack leaving Gregerson as the main holds guy in that bullpen.

#16 Brandon Kintzler MILLast season Brandon recorded 27 holds and posted a 2.69 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP.

reviewjournal.com

#40 Rex Brothers COLUntil he gets the nod to take the Closer's role away from Hawkins he'll remain a viable holds guy. Pitching in Colorado is not a benefit but he is still one of the best "one inning arms" in the game today.

One To Watch

Vinnie Pestano CLEHe was sent down yesterday to make room for Trevor Bauer who was scheduled to pitch the second game of their doubleheader against the Padres. Pestano was great last season but has struggled this year to the tune of a 13.50 ERA (4 earned runs in 2.2 innings). He'll be back with the tribe shortly, I'm not worried.

I find these valuable, as I'm in a deep NL league that counts holds. How do you like Chris Withrow over the course of the season? I'm looking at grabbing him, Strop, Putz or Thayer or Hoover. How do you rank these guys over the course of the season?

Alex Wiesner

4/10/2014 02:51:26 am

Thanks... I'm already giving up on Hoover but I'd rank the others (in terms of getting the most holds): Putz, Thayer (who was close to making this list), then Strop and then finally Hoover.

Beerd

4/10/2014 03:05:18 am

I notice you have strop at the bottom of your closer rankings. How would you rank these fellas in a league that counts saves plus holds.

Alex Wiesner

4/10/2014 03:27:46 am

In a league that includes saves plus holds I'd go: Putz, Strop, Thayer and then Hoover.